A Harrogate wheelchair user has launched a campaign to make people across the district think twice about obstructing footpaths with vehicles and wheelie bins.
Nick Moxon – who lives at Disability Action Yorkshire’s residential home on Claro Road – has now called on Harrogate Borough Council, local councillors and the police to help him make the streets more accessible for those with mobility issues.
His decision to make a stance came after frequently finding his path into Harrogate town centre blocked by vehicles and other obstacles, including wheelie bins.

Nick, who gets about via a robust electric wheelchair, said: Drivers should be more considerate when it comes to parking their vehicles on footpaths.
Sadly many don’t think who their thoughtlessness will affect, as they are often too busy trying to avoid getting their cars scratched!

Obstructions affect not just wheelchair users, but mothers with pushchairs, the visually impaired and those with general mobility problems.

My campaign is to make people more aware of the problem, and to make footpaths better for the wider community.

On numerous occasions I have either had to go out into the road or ride over grass verges. It can be extremely difficult for me to manoeuvre, and I often get mud on my wheels, which is then brought into the home.

Although most drivers are apologetic and quick to move their cars when confronted, I shouldn’t need to ask them in the first place.

Nick contacted both Harrogate Borough Council and Liberal Democrat Granby ward councillor, John Fox, to help assist him in his campaign.

Happened to me yesterday on my mobility scooter the worse place for me is sub way knaresborough red,the pavment is quite high except for one place with lower pavement,people park on path yesterday lady on mobile park right across lowered path on double yellow lines happens very often cars lorries etc.

Constant response “nothing we can do about it” yet as a pedestrian our lives are at risk all the time.
Vehicles parking on the footpath are costing us money because the weight of the vehicles are causing broken paving or tarmac.
Our elderly and partly sighted people also need to be given thought, how they are expected to manoeuvre around these obstacles.
Autumn/Winter time is worse when yellow lines are hidden and cars park bumper to bumper.
It was amazing when Tour de France was in Harrogate area, people walked into town and back home because of road closures. This proves people can do without their cars.